MONTANA OFFICE OF TOURISM AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

The Montana Office of Tourism and Business Development markets Montana’s spectacular unspoiled nature, vibrant and charming small towns, breathtaking experiences, and relaxing hospitality to promote the state as a place to visit and do business. Its goal is to sustain and enhance the quality of life for all Montanans and their communities by strengthening the economy. In conjunction with other divisions of the Montana Department of Commerce and partners around the state, MOTBD’s programs aim to

The Business Resources Division has many partners across the state, consisting of other economic development professionals and organizations, devoted to fostering economic development prosperity in Montana.

The Montana Department of Commerce’s Montana Film Office has supported a handful of these local filmmakers through the Big Sky Grant Program.

“Thanks to the Big Sky Grant Program Montana filmmakers have unique opportunities to explore diverse stories and topics that otherwise may be overlooked,” Film Commissioner Allison Whitmer said. “It’s very fulfilling and exciting to present these stories to the festival audience and showcase the talent we have right here in Montana.”

Montana Filmmakers Jonathan Skurnik and Randy Vasquez received a grant in 2016 for their film Badger Creek, a story of American Indian resilience as seen through the eyes of three generations of Blackfeet people living on the reservation. Badger Creek will premiere Sunday, Feb. 19 at the Wilma Theater.

Previous Big Sky Grant Program recipient Phillip Baribeau and his team are showcasing a new film at the festival. Charged chronicles the journey of chef and outdoorsman, Eduardo Garcia and his recovery after being electrocuted by 2400 volts of electricity miles from help in the Montana backcountry. Charged will be screened Sunday, Feb. 26 at the Wilma Theater.

The Montana Department of Commerce and the Montana Film Office are two sponsors of the Big Sky Film Festival. Click here for more information about the festival.

The Montana Film Office is an award-winning office of film and PR professionals. Established in 1974, the Film Office is a component of the Montana Department of Commerce dedicating themselves to promoting the state of Montana as a filming location to the film/TV/ print industries and inviting those productions into Montana for the overall economic benefit of the state, assisting producers in finding locations to fit their scripts and acting as a liaison through every phase of production, and nurturing and supporting the development of their resident crew base, as well as resident Montana filmmakers.